New Zealand researchers reported that whole-body vibration training in adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) has a range of benefits, including better functional capacity, more muscle and bone mass, and increased bone mineral density.

Studies have recently showed that whole-body vibration training in children with reduced mobility increases leg muscle function and bone mass. Few studies have investigated the effectiveness of the method in children with CP, however, and none have looked at both bone and muscle mass in CP adolescents.

Findings, published in the journal Scientific Reports, showed that participants had more total body mass, without any reduction in fat mass, after the 20 weeks of training. Leg muscle mass, as well as bone mass, also increased following the training period. Moreover, participants had increased bone mineral density throughout the body, particularly in the lower spine and legs.

Improvements in functional capacity were also observed. Level II GMFSC participants performed on average 11 percent better on the 6-minute walk test, equaling an increased distance of 44 meters. Level III participants did even better, increasing the distance by 40 meters, or 35 percent. Both groups also walked faster. Participants also improved in the chair test — standing up and sitting down three times as fast as possible on a seat placed on the vibration plate. They showed no improvement, however, in two other functional tests — balance and single two-leg jump.

The study also aimed to investigate effects on quality of life, but only 16 caregivers and 12 participants completed questionnaires both before and after the intervention. The adolescents did not report any life quality benefits, but caregivers reported observing improvements in school and general well-being, as well as decreased perceived pain and impact of disability.

While the study was limited by uneven participation in the different assessments and the lack of a control group, it showed good effects of whole-body vibration training in this group of CP adolescents. Since the study did not assess whether improvements remain after training ceases, larger and longer trials are necessary to assess the benefits of whole-body vibration training in CP.

Magdalena is a writer with a passion for bridging the gap between the people performing research, and those who want or need to understand it. She writes about medical science and drug discovery. She holds an MS in Pharmaceutical Bioscience and a PhD — spanning the fields of psychiatry, immunology, and neuropharmacology — from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden.

Disclaimer:

Cerebral Palsy News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

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